Getting something for cheap

[shark_za]

I have been looking around at local B&M stores and have my eyes on some clearance and old stock items.
Posting in Budget Lights to help me decide on what to get.

Should I get the Leatherman S3 or a Fenix P3D Q5 ?

I don't have a 1xCR123 clicky or any Fenix CR123 lights so I could go either way on this. Both fill a gap. Well I have a Solarforce L2m but use it with the extenders all the time.

I love the AA LD10/20 and L1Tv2 I have and am taking a long look at the 2xCR123 option from them.
I assume all the modes are in regulation with 2xRCR?

Should I just get them both?

I read Carrots review on the Serac S3 and it sounds like the bee's knee's for EDC.
I have a whole bunch of CR123's that have become mismatched and will never be used up in my A1 EOS. Getting another single cell EDC might help to burn em up.

Say they cost the same, what is the better deal ?

 

[old4570]

Sounds like you want/need both ! :candle:

 

[shark_za]

I will probably do that but right now I need to get one first as it will take the rest my monthly torch budget, I'm already getting a L2P and a Catapult.

I'll take one and then see if the other is available next month.
Which one is the question.

 

[joe1512]

Any reason you NEED all these lights? If you are getting a catapult, then youve got a high powered light with great throw. I am not sure what 'hole' you are trying to plug with the new light. You want a better flooder, or a car light, or what?

I'd say the only thing you need is a keychain light. I love my itp A1 EOS SS with a RCR123. Over 200 lumens on high is plenty and I always have it with me. It is light and small enough to pull this off easily.

 

[shark_za]

I want a multimode light that runs on CR123 and is not P60 based.
All my current CR123 multimodes are P60 based.


Keychains are covered with A1, A2 and A3.


Its just clearance time on the P3D Q5 and the price is right.
Is it still a valid choice in todays market ?

 

[glenda17]

The P3D is an OK light, but I switched to a Shining Beam Lili-Mini II. Its smaller just as bright and uses a 18650 instead of the 2xrcr123s so it has much longer runtime.

 

[old4570]

Fenix before Leatherman ...:thinking:

 

[carrot]

Personally, I'd go for the S3. The P3D is similar, but the stainless bezel and wire clip of the S3 makes it the winner in my book.

 

[tbenedict]

I have no experience with them, but I am pretty sure I read in a review that the Fenix PxD's were real regulated real well on primaries, but not so well on RCR's.

 

[amigafan2003]

B&M's are selling Fenix torches?

 

[shark_za]

Fenix torches are stocked in South African B&M shops, there is an importer that is not shy to rip the ring out of us and sell us a LD10 for $100 (what I paid) but at least its immediate and there is a local recourse to warranty etc.
I feel violated but at least he keeps some spares and parts.

This purchase has just died, the P3D's are gone and the price is up on the S3.

Bleh.

 

[shark_za]

I got the Serac S3 today anyway.
I've got flashaholism bad.

Feels nice and solid, levels seem lower than even my LD10 but the beam is very smooth and a bit more floody so that could be the thing.
I'll give their cousin the LGX200 a bit of a break from the pocket and see how this leatherman holds up to daily carry.